Official Ramadan Start in Philippines Set for February 19 After Moon Sighting
The holy month of Ramadan will officially begin on Thursday, February 19, in the Philippines, as announced by the National Commission on Muslim Filipinos (NCMF). This decision follows extensive moon sighting activities conducted in collaboration with various Islamic authorities and meteorological agencies.
Coordinated Moon Sighting Efforts Across the Nation
According to the NCMF, the start date was determined based on moon sightings carried out jointly with the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) Darul Ifta and several Ulama groups. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) also participated, reporting that the Hilal, or crescent moon, was not visible during their observations.
In a separate announcement, Grand Mufti Sheikh Abdulrauf Guialani of the Bangsamoro Darul-Ifta’ (BDI) confirmed at the Shariff Kabuksuan Cultural Complex in the Bangsamoro Government Center that they received moon sighting reports from groups across the Bangsamoro region, including locations such as Manila Bay, General Santos City, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani, and Sulu.
Traditional Practices and Workplace Accommodations
In the Philippines, moon sighting for Ramadan is traditionally conducted in key areas like Cotabato City and Manila to ensure accuracy and adherence to Islamic principles. The NCMF has also issued guidance for Muslim employees working in government sectors, recommending flexible working hours during Ramadan to accommodate fasting and religious observances.
This annual event highlights the cultural and religious diversity of the Philippines, with authorities emphasizing community cooperation and respect for Islamic traditions. The coordinated efforts between national and regional bodies underscore the importance of unity in determining significant religious dates.
